Next Level Talent: 2026 Linebackers on the Rise!

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we will be taking a look at some backers from the 2026 class that are on the rise. These are the prospects that will be turning heads this season and should be on college scouts radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["230616"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681e4d57131b7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Helms enters his senior season with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. After a quieter junior campaign, Helms is aiming to return to the form that made him a standout as a sophomore. He's a disruptive linebacker with a knack for creating chaos in the backfield, whether it's pressuring the quarterback or stopping runners behind the line of scrimmage. With strong leverage, quick hands, and the ability to shed blocks with ease, Helms is a force offenses can't ignore. Expect a major bounce back year from this relentless defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["205487"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681e4d571320e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dufour brings speed, intensity, and a high football IQ to the linebacker position. He diagnoses plays quickly, flies to the football, and delivers punishing hits in the hole. With a relentless motor and the ability to lay a big hit, Dufour can be equally effective in coverage thanks to his athleticism and burst. Entering his senior season, he's a prime breakout candidate with the tools to become a true game changer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1313346"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681e4d5713253"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gazdik is a menace that knows how to get into the backfield and thrives on physicality and being disruption. With 10 tackles for loss last season, Gazdik showcased his ability to overpower blockers, using excellent hand placement and raw strength. He sheds contact effortlessly and relentlessly pursues the ball carrier, even at the second level. Expect Gazdik to elevate his game even further this fall and turn heads with a dominant senior campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["754548"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681e4d5713261"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hageman impressed during spring ball in the @prepsuperleague as he played for @milehighprep and enters his final high school season as one of the most dynamic linebackers in the state. With sideline to sideline speed and the instincts to make big plays, Hageman is a true three down linebacker. He excels at getting off blocks, putting pressure on the quarterback, and making plays in coverage, including coming down with interceptions. Don't be surprised if he becomes a major target for college scouts in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1575639"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-682245d05e960"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith is a playmaker in every sense of the word. With 116 total tackles and 4 interceptions last season, Smith proved he can impact the game in multiple ways. He's always around the football and has the hands, range, and length to secure difficult interceptions. A Division-I level talent, Smith would benefit from a strong camp circuit showing, but his production and instincts already make him a standout. Expect his stock to rise significantly this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->